I have never had enough space in my closet. Not because there’s too many clothes (okay, there’s some clothes) but, because it’s a house that was built in the 50’s with extra small closet spaces.

I finally had enough of not being able to see what I had for the seasons! This was a quick and easy DYI project that will get me back to seeing what I already have. And, more importantly what I can add!

I personally looked on Craiglist for any of the items I had to gather. The wood was here and the casters were a successful Craiglist find. The rest is at your local hardware store. The piping exists in different sizes and can be cut and threaded to easily screw into your elbow pieces. Truth be told there was 3 Home Depot trips to find out the cutter/threader was broken and I’m suspecting because someone ran the machine untrained and broke it. 3 stores! After a return Lowes finally got it done. I suggest calling ahead. Save yourself all the driving and frustration.

There is a lot of screwing together and down. Easy for someone moderately handy. The casters at a discount cut the total project cost quite a bit.

Overall, the cost to make this should be roughly between &80.00-$100.00 depending on where you get and gather your materials.

What you will need:

4 casters- 3″or 4″

2 pipes galvanized or black @ 60″

1 pipe galvanized or black @41″

2 matching metal anchor discs

4 1×5 wood planks 44″ in length. Your width will be roughly 20 3/4″. You can modify all of this by shortening you planks and cross bat accordingly.

2 1×5 20 3/4 cross planks

Screws

Assemble your platform with your boards and cross planks by screwing down 2 screws per board. Once solid, flip over and screw down your 4 casters. This is not a skateboard. Don’t be silly. Now flip back over and screw on anchor discs. Your ready to add your vertical threaded pipes. Secure these and twist in tightly. Okay, screw in your cross bar. And, you have your new industrial chic clothing rack! You could get even more creative by adding a shelf at the top or I the platform. Modifications could be awesome.

I think it looks more extensive and more expensive then it actually is! What do you think? Would you have one of these in your space?

I can now properly get ready for my fall and winter wardrobe the right way. At least that’s a bonus. 😉

For those following along with the #backyardoasis project. Here are some new photos of the facade.

It has received a new deck, I found a cute little porch light on Craigslist some months back and we updated it to black. It got some stairs finally and some brick skirting. I think it’s coming along quite nicely. Are you working on any backyard updates or plans for your Summer?

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!🇺🇸 There’s not much huge commentary needed today, other then the fact that we are grateful and thankful for our freedom and the men, women and animals that have helped and are helping to provide that for us. Safe travels and may our freedoms for all continue in this important, potentially changing time for us all…

For awhile now we have been working on a backyard studio for doing art, entertaining and making more livable space, outside the small home we are in. On a huge lot. This has been an ongoing process and continues to be. But, I’m excited to say that things have picked back up on the project, once again.

Firstly, you should know I have an Interior Design degree and Jay, my sons father is a carpenter by trade for 20+ years. We often don’t see eye to eye on a few things. However, projects like these bring us to a happier place.

We often don’t have a lot of extra cash lying around either for things like these so, there have been many “make it work” moments in expanding our backyard and building supplies. I have always been okay with up cycling or using “found” or the right free items, as well. Why not? The world is full of enough garbage. I think it’s great not to waste it. Because of it, I have been honing my skills for Craigslist “free” and that has helped the creativity keep going. Just a couple weeks ago, I randomly sat down and checked the site and really, really lucked out on a great couple in the South sound, getting rid of ALL of the cedar siding on their house. And, it was in fantastic shape plus, 1/2″ think, which apparently is unheard of nowadays. Serious, serious score.

The catch. It had to be de-nailed and planed down to get it looking back to fab. Okay, a bit of work. Also, three truck loads full. So, thanks to Jays perseverance and hard work with that, we won big with all that usable material. The roof shingles are a trade from Craigslist for an old iPhone and a mini projector. The door, a $20 Craigslist find. The skylight a $10 find. The windows below, side of the road free and $10. The ones above, $15 for the pair, just found the other day on offer up.

We got boxes of laminate flooring from this nice man in Kent who was gonna do improvements but, never got around to it and just wanted it gone. That was also a huge score.

We happened to be headed to Home Depot and I caught a glimpse of a cabinet section with a sink that I’m hoping we can transform into a kitchenette, if you will. I’m thinking mini frig/freezer combo and an induction plate or 2 burner cooktop dropped in. Let’s see what I can find, right? It’s not the prettiest now. But, there’s potential, I hope. For a future post.

The plan is to get the wiring and insulting done soon. And, as you might of guessed by now, I found a dude on Craigslist, a former contractor, selling a boatload of cheaper insulation he got stuck with. It’s a no brainier, I will be hitting him up.

Now, I’m still looking for windows. One long slider for behind where the bed will go. You will be under a skylight which is exciting but, I hate the idea of it being stifling and hot while you sleep.

I still have to figure out the logistics of the bathroom. A compostible toilet sounds like a grand plan. Finding one for the right price is another story. IKEA has some interesting options for small sinks. And, I want to prepare it for once it does officially become plumbed to be a “wet” bathroom. We missing an electrician best friend is all, haha. But, I’m gonna remain optimistic that it will work out.

When you receive an abundance of razor clams, there are so many choices for meals and to use them in a timely manner…

I decided to make delicious Manhattan Clam Chowder. Now, I understand that people have strong feelings about New England Clam Chowder but, I have a dairy problem unfortunately. Oh well, fresh clams don’t wait. I must forge on!

I began with 3/4 of a quart of classic mirepoix from Trader Joes, 1 1/2 tablespoons of grated garlic, and chopped bacon, three slices. I added in three chopped medium potatoes and organic vegetable stock (1 container). I poured in one quart jar of my homemade canned stewed tomatoes. Then chopped up 5 or 6 fresh razor clams and tossed those in. I seasoned with thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper. And let simmer for about 20 minutes. And, it turned out fast and delicious. Really! Awesome. These are a Washington treat like no other.

And, as you can see some will be hitting the freezer for later enjoyment and consumption. Yeah!

By Sonya Law
Springtime is right around the corner. And, it’s one of my favorite times of year. There’s so many possibilities for fun and relaxation. But, if your also like me you forget to write all those things down and check them off your list. So, here’s a few ideas for you and I, to search out and live life to the fullest this coming Springtime…

1.) Visit your local farmers market. Or, make a trip to a local one you have always wanted to visit. My trick is to bring a cooler bag or an ice chest in the car to keep things like veggies and salsas. My favorites are the Ballard market (http://www.sfmamarkets.com/), Pikes place is open everyday of course, but, Spring is excellent and a day drive to Roslyn is gorgeous on a Sunday from 10-2 (Roslyn Market).

2.) Take a stack of magazines to your favorite coffee shop and have an iced green tea…or whatever’s your favorite.

3.) Do some Spring cleaning and organizing in your closet.

4.) After you complete #3 go out and shop for something cute. Time for that new pencil skirt, bangle bracelet, sunnies or some sexy sandals.

5.) Take a class. A painting class, cooking class or flower arranging, for those stunning stems you just found at the market.

6.) Pack a picnic and head out to a concert, or a park, or a lake. Try Experience Washington for some fun events. Nothing wrong with a day in the grass. Don’t forget the frisbe, soccer ball and a blanket.

7.) Get your nails done. It’s time for pretty pastels, think fresh. I love Essie’s “Pret-a-Surfer” or “Bikini with a Martini” right now. Think Pantones colors of the year…winning.

8.) Deep condition your hair. It’s after winter, it needs it. Buy some Bumble surf spray and get ready for more fresh and sexy. All that spa stuff is good right now. I like some tanning towelettes, some fun pink or nude lipstick/gloss, and some BB cream and a good bronzer too. Let’s make it easy on ourselves, beauties.

9.) Organize that book shelf and get ready for your Spring/Summer “reads”

10.) Research ways to Volunteer. There’s nothing better then planning on giving back. It’s easy with Volunteer Match. Plug in your interests and your zip and they find things for you.

11.) Hit up some favorite new restaurant spots, yum. I have so many friends with new restaurants it’s crazy. And, so many more I want to check out. No Bones Beach Club and Gracia to name a couple.

14.) Have a movie night. Redbox will be an influx of all the “noms”, nods and winners of the oscars. Grab some organic popcorn from Trader Joes and a blanket. Or, make a few different kinds and invite some friends.

16.) Grab your camera and snap some pics! There’s lots of gorgeous activity here in the #PNW. No better time then Spring to capture the beauty.

17.) Create something. Yes you can! Paint, write, sculpt. Creation is good for the soul and spirit. Make a small goal and have fun. No one is judging and don’t care if they were anyway.

18.) Hit up that local brewery or winery you have been hearing about.

19.) Grow something like flowers or food. Nothing is more satisfying then having or eating something you tended with your own two hands. Not good at it you say? Try succulents. They are gorgeous with low maintenance and you can go as little or as big with it as you like.

20.) Take a road trip. There are a dozen day trips that are beyond amazing in the Spring and Summer. Try Vashon, Coupeville, Port Townsend, Chelan, Levenworth, Walla Walla, Hood Canal, Gig Harbor…just to name a few of my favorite spots. You might want to stay.

21.) Have a friend Brunch. It’s wonderful to hit up a deck outdoors with friends and be sipping Champagne or Bloody Mary’s, come warmer weather time. Cheers!

22.) Tend to your pets. I have two dogs ready for some Spring cleaning themselves. Time for hair, nails and powder for them too. I love my lil’ “moostached” Lulabelle. Isn’t she cute?

23.) Check out your local museums or go antiquing. Why not a great walk through the city? There are a ton of great antique shops in Washington and the Seattle Art Museum has discounts on every first Thursday. It’s enriching and it makes you look hella classy. That also have classes and speakers that are constantly changing to check it out here: SAM

24.) Plan a checkup, a cleaning and do a cleanse. I know, I know. Let the grumbling begin. But, listen to this, you’ll be all “Spring cleaned up” too! What better way to start the season and head into Summer feeling tuned up and doing your best? Your teeth with shine, your face will glow (never mind beating that Winter bloat) and you will have peace of mind that your health is first.

25.) Practice your “Rights of Spring”. No, I am not getting all earthy-crunchy on you. But, this is a great way to usher in the new, and let go of the past. A simple tradition practiced by me and some of my close friends, typically around a bonfire but, other means will work. It’s simple. Write down all of the things you hope for in the coming year (good health, a new job, a trip, good wishes for friends and family) and all the negative things you want to leave behind or want to change. Now, write them on a piece of paper and then throw it into the fire, or bury it in the ground (not condoning littering, make sure it’s biodegradable please). Get it? Starting fresh, renewed, just like Spring. Now your mind has practiced some Spring cleaning too.

Let me know what you think! And, what your up to with Spring right around the corner. I would love to know and hear about what your up to and what you have checked off your list for this season. And, no matter what, have fun out there beauties! 🌿